Nationwide fruit recall expands, more grocers now on the list

A voluntary fruit recall initially enacted in mid-July is now being expanded with more peaches, nectarines, plums and pluots being pulled off the shelves nationwide due to listeria contamination concerns.

Initially, 16,345 pounds of white and yellow peaches, nectarines, plums and pluots were recalled by the Wawona Packing Co. between June 1 and July 12. The company has not processed fruit since July 18.

"The recalled products include the following brands marketed to consumers: Sweet 2 Eat, Sweet 2 Eat Organic, Mrs. Smittcamp's, and are also packed in private labels," a Food and Drug Administration release states. "Anyone who has the recalled products in their possession should not consume them and should discard them."

Consumers can view photos of the recalled packaged fruit by clicking here or checking out Wawona's website.

"To date, health officials have not informed Wawona of any confirmed cases of illnesses linked with this recall," said Wawona spokesperson Amy Philpott. "Wawona is working with food safety officials and investigators regarding all claims."

The additional recall move is being taken "out of an abundance of caution," said Philpott.

The recalled fruit was shipped around the country to small businesses and regional chains alike, as well as national grocers, including Costco, Trader Joes, Walmart and Wegmans. Wegmans has recalled pastries and baked goods made with the potentially contaminated fruit.

As Tech Times reported, the initial grocers involved in the recall included Trader Joe's, Costco and Sam's Club.

No illness has yet been reported and consumers are being urged to not eat the fruit as listeria can bring on serious illness and even potentially death.

Seniors, pregnant women, children and anyone with a weak immune system is at the most risk for listeria. Listeria can cause miscarriages and stillbirths. The infection symptoms include nausea, stiffness, severe headache, diarrhea, high fever and abdominal pain.

Wegmans, a Rochester supermarket, then also issued a recall on the Wawona fruit, telling customers not to eat the "Sweet 2 Eat" organic and regular white and yellow peaches as well as black plums and nectarines.